The healing power of kindness is present in every gift.
It is our privilege to pass it on.
Hello,

In this June edition of our eNews, we are thrilled to share that the Bronson Children's Hospital Virtual Run & Walk registration is now open! Team up with your family and friends to raise funds for the only children's hospital in the region. We also share the moving story of how Bronson doctors rushed to save the life of Rachel Christoffersen and how her family's gratitude is making an impact 35 years later. There is also a great piece about the Rotary Club of South Haven and their generosity as well as an opportunity to learn more about our cancer care campaign.

We invite you to read each of these stories to stay up-to-date with the foundation! Thank you for your continued support.

Liz Semaan
Executive Director
Bronson Children's Hospital Virtual Run & Walk Registration is LIVE!
Registration for the 2021 Bronson Children's Hospital Virtual Run & Walk is now live! The event will take place from Friday, September 17 through Sunday, September 26. So, whether you choose to run, walk, fundraise or donate - gather your family, join your friends and make a plan for this year’s event – wherever you choose!

All registered participants will receive a t-shirt, bib and a finisher medal! We hope you will consider creating a team, inviting your friends and help us fundraise! Your generous support helps ensure the highest level of pediatric care that children and their families count on to be here when they need it. For more information, visit bronsonfoundation.com/runwalk.
Christoffersen Family
Makes Lasting Gift
It was December 1985 when nine-year old Rachel Christoffersen was in an auto accident which left her with life-threatening injuries. Doctors told her parents that her chance of survival was one in 100. Rachel had severe damage to her liver, spleen, and gall bladder. She also had a tear in the vein in her abdomen that carries blood to the heart, and a blood clot in her brain. During surgery, the trauma team at Bronson’s Level 1 Trauma Center used a device for the very first time that would remove, clean and return blood to Rachel’s body. After two weeks in the pediatric intensive care, Rachel went on to eventually make a full recovery.

Nearly 36 years later, Rachel’s family continues to be eternally grateful every day for the Bronson care team that saved Rachel’s life. And to honor this incredible team, they made a generous gift to establish the Christoffersen Family Trauma and Emergency Services Endowment to support this team and their patients and families in perpetuity. Click the link below to learn more, hear Rachel's story in her own words and watch the virtual ceremony that recognized the care team.
South Haven Area Rotary Gives Big to Support Telemedicine
The Rotary Club of South Haven made a generous gift of $16,568 to support Telemedicine at Bronson South Haven. This gift will address barriers to care for patients with chronic illness who face the challenges of leaving their home for care. It will equip patients with tools to monitor their chronic health conditions at home and connect with providers prior to needing urgent medical attention.

The amount of patients nationwide seeking Telehealth options has increased to 24% since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States in March of 2020. The generosity of the Rotary Club of South Haven will have an immediate impact in southwest Michigan and we are grateful for the continued partnership with their club!
Join Our Cancer Care Campaign Today!
Did you know that Bronson operates the only Children’s Hospital in southwest Michigan? When children and families come to us for cancer and blood disorder treatment, our Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Team is ready to provide compassionate care in a space made for kids. This year at the clinic, Bronson is hiring a child and family psychologist for our Pediatric Cancer Program that will:

  • Help families cope with the realities of a cancer diagnosis by providing therapy and reflection space

  • When appropriate, provide diagnoses for a child’s cognitive behaviors to support their resiliency

  • Support a child’s educational journey while in treatment and beyond by coordinating with schools
Community support is making this vision possible through our historic Cancer Care Campaign. A gift of any size from donors like you will support the salary and continuous education of this new specialist for our youngest cancer patients. Support for the campaign is also raising the bar for care at Bronson’s Cancer Centers in Kalamazoo and Battle Creek! Click here to learn more about our campaign.